How To Do Halasana Yoga (Plow Pose) And What Are Its Benefits

Do you sometimes feel very off? Or upset but can't really point out exactly what's bothering you? The benefits of yoga and asana are no more a myth and need no introduction! If you dream of living a healthy and beautiful life, the secret lies in yoga and in doing HALASANA YOGA. It has been in practice for generations, mainly for wellness and various health benefits. Sometimes what medicine is unable to do, is easily solved by regular yoga practice.

Halasana Yoga (Plow Pose) -

Halasana yoga (Plow Pose) posture is widely known due to its reference to the commonly used farming tool, i.e. the plough used to prepare the soil for sowing the crops. Exactly, like its name, this particular yoga pose prepares the track of the body and your mind for deep restoration and rejuvenation. In the beginning, the halasana pose might feel a bit tough for beginners.

Maybe for a few initial days, you won't be able to do it for long, but slowly your durability will increase. You need to have a good presence of mind, good control over breath and stability for at least a good 15 minutes.

Tips For Halasana Yoga -

• You should do this asana with ease and gentleness. Make sure that you do not strain or put excessive pressure on your neck.

• Use your top of the shoulders as a support for your back. Lift your shoulders a bit towards your ear.

• When you are bringing your legs down, avoid shaking or jerking your body.

Preparatory Asanas/Poses -

Before you start with the halasana yoga, there are certain poses that need to be done so that your body can prepare for this asana.

• Poorva halasana or the preliminary plow pose is a preparatory asana before you begin with the proper halasana.

• Another preparatory pose is the shoulder stand, or the Sarvangasana is usually done before the plow pose. To do this Sarvangasana, lift your legs and hips from the floor instead of bringing your legs above your head. Stretch your shoulders to support your back with your hands.

• The bridge pose or setu bandhasana is another asana that can be done before halasana to set your body and keep it ready for the plow pose.

Also Read: What Is Trikonasana Yoga (Triangle Pose) Benefits And Steps

How To Do Halasana -

The best way to do this asana is to place folded blankets under your shoulders as it will give some support to your upper body and neck. If you feel it's difficult to raise your hips from the ground, then you may consider placing a pillow under your hips. This will give the initial push for halasana yoga.

The steps involved in this asana are as follows:

1. First, grab a mat in order to lie down. Keep your position straight and keep your hands on the side.

2. Then slowly raise your legs initially, followed by your hips. You may also use your hands for extra added support for your back.

3. Next, take your legs backwards. Bring your legs over your head towards the floor by arching your back.

4. Gently place your toes on the ground and shift your arms to the back and keep it on the sides.

5. Now the only thing is to keep your stability in check. Hold this position for as long as possible. And breathe as slow and uniform as you can.

6. Keep your eyes to the forward.

7. The moment you feel that the blood flow is rushing towards the head, start focusing on your breath and count to 50 initially and slowly raise the bar to 100 as per your comfort.

8. When you are done with it, bring back your lower body gently with your hands' support and bring back the legs to the mat to keep it in a straight position. Remember to exhale when you are bringing your legs to the mat.

Also Read: What Is Shalabhasana (Locust Pose), How To Do It And It's Benefits?

Benefits Of Halasana -

1. Halasana benefits not just the nervous system but also reduces stress and fatigue. It works wonders for individuals who are prone to migraines and hypertension.

2. It strengthens and provides flexibility to the neck, shoulders, abs, and back muscles. It gives extreme stretch to your backbone, starting from the neck until the tail bone and releasing any muscular tension in your body. As you start ageing, your backbone starts becoming stiff. Halasana stretches your muscles greatly and ensures good flexibility.

3. It is also responsible for toning the legs and improving the flexibility of thigh and leg muscles.

4. It increases the immunity system of an individual and stimulates the thyroid gland, which is responsible for balancing the body's metabolic rate and boosting the immune system.

5. It also aids women during their menopause.

6. It helps in massaging the internal organs, fastens the process of digestion, relieves constipation, promotes insulin production by the pancreas, and improves liver and kidney function.

Some Pointers For Halasana Beginners -

• Avoid doing the halasana if you have any kind of neck injury or are suffering from diarrhea or if you have high blood pressure.
• Particularly, women should not practise halasana yoga if you are pregnant or even if you are on the initial days of your menstruation cycle.
• If you are an individual who suffers from chronic diseases or spinal disorders and got it treated recently, then consult a doctor before doing the plow pose.

If you are a beginner in yoga and want to practice yoga on regular basis but don’t know how to start properly and the correct way to perform yoga asana, the yoga for beginner’s course is the perfect option for you. You can join the 100 hour yoga teacher training course from one of the best yoga teacher training in rishikesh.  If you are interested in healing and meditation you can check out the amazing sound healing course in Rishikesh.